Courts / Louth / Report

Murder accused's behaviour influenced by intoxication not mental disorder, psychiatrist tells trial

Summary

In the Louth murder trial, Dr Sally Linehan testified for the prosecution that Paula Farrell's behaviour on New Year's Day 2014 was influenced by intoxication rather than a dissociative reaction. She explained that Farrell, aged 47, had PTSD and alcohol dependence, and that she had not experienced a flashback or psychotic symptoms that night. Linehan reviewed two reports she prepared in 2015 and 2019, noting Farrell's long history of heavy drinking and childhood sexual abuse. She agreed with defence counsel that Farrell's PTSD could have played some role but concluded that intoxication was the primary influence. The testimony was part of the prosecution's case against Farrell, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the killing of Wayne McQuillan, aged 30, at her home. The jury heard closing speeches the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused's behaviour influenced by intoxication not mental disorder, psychiatrist tells trial. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan (30) at Ms Farrell's home on New Year's Day 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 2015 Incident
• July 2019 Incident
• New Year's Day 2014 Other
• 2020-03-24 Publication

Why: Under cross-examination, Dr Linehan agreed with defence counsel Ms Biggs that she had used a similar methodology to Dr Brenda Wright in order to come to her conclusions. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report